Oops, I may get a $500 fine from the TSA.

[E.Marquez]

I have flown MANY times with loaded mags that are locked up. I was informed today that this was illegal also.

.

Not according to federal regulations, TSA's own site, and major airlines own rules for transporting a firearm and ammo.
It surprise me not that someone ill informed told you that, but that does not make it true.

So long as the ammo is fully covered (mag in a case, carrier, covered in bubble gum) it is packaged in according to the law.

From the TSA web site

Travelers may not use firearm magazines/clips for packing ammunition unless they completely and securely enclose the ammunition (e.g., by securely covering the exposed portions of the magazine or by securely placing the magazine in a pouch, holder, holster or lanyard).

Ammunition may be carried in the same hard-sided case as the firearm, as long as it follows packing guidelines described above

.

[Shinesintx]

Once you locked the case, how did TSA get access to your firearm?

Im still confused how and why TSA opened your case.

One you declare and lock your case at the ticket counter, it cant be opened (or inspected) by anyone but you.

Did you lock the case?

Not trying to be critical of you, im just confused.

I declared the weapon and taped the inspection card from the SWA attendant. Asked her if she needed to see the weapon, she said no...and I left for my gate.

TSA Xrayed my baggage, then called me back to check in so that they could open my gun case and take the magazine out of LCP

[jimlongley]

I'm confused by your encounter with TSA. Everytime I've flown with a checked firearm, I had it locked in a pelican case with a non-TSA rotary lock so NO ONE could get in without my one and only key.

When you check your luggage, you are supposed to verify its unloaded and fill out a declaration card. Once you locked the case, how did TSA get access to your firearm?

I was under the impression that TSA is not allowed to open the case or handle your firearm whatsoever.

What am I missing?

Another thing, I think that's a civil fine, not criminal. No way would I ever give TSA anything.

A skilled x-ray operator can tell if there is a round in the chamber, an average one can see a loaded magazine in the gun easily. TSA did not have to open the case or handle the firearm, although a LEO could have for them, or a high level TSA manager with LEO status.

[RPB]

Whole things is crazy; MANY years of me flying with a 5-1/2" blade knife on my side which never hurt anyone, then a few fellows with box cutters, and they don't allow shampoo ....

[Express]

seriously? man, that sucks..
Thank you for sharing and I hope you don't get that mail.

[jimlongley]

Yes, I verified that it was unloaded. The problem, is with the word "unloaded". What does it mean? To me, loaded means that the weapon is unchambered....and so therefore, I assumed my gun was unloaded. TSA does not see it this way.

In NY Ststae, due to judicial fiat and case law, mere possession of ammunition and a firearm it could be used in, used to be considered "loaded."

[Excaliber]

This is a good reminder that it's not our personal interpretations of words in the law that matter - it's how the folks that enforce them interpret them.

To avoid hairsplitting arguments that can't be won with folks who may not have read their own regulations as closely as we have, I always fly with ammunition only in original ammunition boxes, and NEVER loaded in a magazine.

I field strip the gun and put the magazine in the case separately so anyone can clearly see there is no way it can be loaded and the mag is empty as well. This helps prevent malfunctions between left ear and right like the one described by the unfortunate OP here.

Those of us with way more flying experience than we'd like know how easy it is to overlook something important while trying to deal with all the schedules, requirements, unforeseen complications and just oddball stuff that happen at different airports around the country (or around the world). For this reason, I like to keep things simple and never vary from my routine when traveling with firearms. The use of carefully thought out habit is an extra layer of safety that helps keep me out of trouble even when a senior moment strikes.

[AEA]

I have been routinely flying worldwide for over 46 years. Two years ago I just said that's it......

I have not flown in the last two years and I have no plans of ever flying again, with or without a gun.

[BigTexas]

Thanks for sharing. It's a great story to share in my CHL classes.

You are very lucky they didn't shut down the airport and have you arrested, strip searched and water boarded. (said with tongue securely planted in cheek)

Most TSA employees do a great job! But there are bad apples in every bushel not matter what job you're talking about.

[Dave2]

Thanks for sharing. It's a great story to share in my CHL classes.

You are very lucky they didn't shut down the airport and have you arrested, strip searched and water boarded. (said with tongue securely planted in cheek)

Why tongue in cheek? I'm pretty sure that's their policy.

[kjolly]

I used to fly a lot and can easily understand in the rush making the mistake, but its not a mistake one can afford to make. Before 911 I was in Greenfield S.C. had to work on a computer and put my electric screwdriver in ny briefcase instead of lauggage. Was caught at gate and told drills were not allowed on flights. I fast talked them into the idea that it was a screwdriver rather than a drill however naturely it could have been used for both. Got to keep the screwfriver.
Another time (before 911) I was emptying my pockets and put my knofe in the tray going through the metal detectors. As a sailor it had an marlin spike on the knofe and the guards were taken aback by the "weapon" but I explained its used to untie tight knots and talked my way through with it.
Travel by air about once a year now.

[Zoomie72]

I am fairly new to a lot of the regulation surrounding firearms, and it is a relief to see that in this case the officers who enforced the rules understood that it was an innocent mistake. Certainly a costly one, and they are not going to let it slide, but they enforced the law/rule/policy with a consideration of the human side.

[schufflerbot]

from the TSA website:

Travelers must declare all firearms, ammunition, and parts to the airline during the ticket counter check-in process.
The firearm must be unloaded.
The firearm must be in a hard-sided container.
The container must be locked. A locked container is defined as one that completely secures the firearm from being accessed. Cases that can be pulled open with little effort cannot be brought aboard the aircraft.
Travelers should remain in the area designated by the aircraft operator or TSA representative to take the key back after the container is cleared for transportation.
TSA must resolve all alarms on checked luggage. If a locked container carrying a firearm alarms, TSA or the airline will make a reasonable attempt to contact the owner. If contact is not made, the container will not be placed on the aircraft.
Travelers must securely pack any ammunition in fiber (such as cardboard), wood or metal boxes or other packaging that is specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition.
Travelers may not use firearm magazines/clips for packing ammunition unless they completely and securely enclose the ammunition (e.g., by securely covering the exposed portions of the magazine or by securely placing the magazine in a pouch, holder, holster or lanyard).
Ammunition may be carried in the same hard-sided case as the firearm, as long as it follows packing guidelines described above.
TSA prohibits black powder or percussion caps used with black-powder.

These regulations are strictly enforced. Violations can result in criminal prosecution and civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation.

[GhostTX]

from the TSA website:

Travelers must declare all firearms, ammunition, and parts to the airline during the ticket counter check-in process.
The firearm must be unloaded.
The firearm must be in a hard-sided container.
The container must be locked. A locked container is defined as one that completely secures the firearm from being accessed. Cases that can be pulled open with little effort cannot be brought aboard the aircraft.
Travelers should remain in the area designated by the aircraft operator or TSA representative to take the key back after the container is cleared for transportation.
TSA must resolve all alarms on checked luggage. If a locked container carrying a firearm alarms, TSA or the airline will make a reasonable attempt to contact the owner. If contact is not made, the container will not be placed on the aircraft.
Travelers must securely pack any ammunition in fiber (such as cardboard), wood or metal boxes or other packaging that is specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition.
Travelers may not use firearm magazines/clips for packing ammunition unless they completely and securely enclose the ammunition (e.g., by securely covering the exposed portions of the magazine or by securely placing the magazine in a pouch, holder, holster or lanyard).
Ammunition may be carried in the same hard-sided case as the firearm, as long as it follows packing guidelines described above.
TSA prohibits black powder or percussion caps used with black-powder.

These regulations are strictly enforced. Violations can result in criminal prosecution and civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation.

Gotta read the airline's rules, too. American Airlines, for example, states the ammo needs to be stored in the original packaging (with some leeway). So, when traveling you have to know TSA rules AND your airline's rules.

Ammunition in its original packaging from the manufacturer is preferred, however it will be accepted in fiber, wood or metal boxes, or other packaging specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition. Loose ammunition or clips will not be accepted.

http://www.aa.com/i18n/travelInformatio ... rearms.jsp" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Ensure small arms ammunition is packed in the manufacturer's original package or securely packed in fiber, wood, plastic or metal boxes and provide separation for cartridges.

http://www.delta.com/traveling_checkin/ ... p#shooting" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[hangfour]

Thanks for sharing your mistake .... I love this forum.